Ink cartridge packaging member, ink cartridge package, and ink cartridge packaging and opening method

ABSTRACT

In a packing member that packs an ink cartridge, the packing member is constituted as an adhesive label, a perforation is provided on a portion of the label, an ink cartridge is packed by adhering the label on the cartridge, and the ink cartridge is unpacked by peeling off a central portion of the label along the perforation. A back sheet (release coated paper) of the label is adhered on the ink cartridge in a state in which a portion of the back sheet is left. Thus, unpacking (peeling-off of the label) is facilitated, and adhesive is prevented from remaining.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a packing member for an ink cartridge,a packed body of an ink cartridge, and a packing/unpacking method of anink cartridge, and in particular to a packing member for an inkcartridge that packs an ink cartridge used in an inkjet printer, apacked body of an ink cartridge, and a packing/unpacking method of anink cartridge.

BACKGROUND ART

There is conventionally known an inkjet printer that jets fine inkdroplets from nozzles toward a recording medium such as a sheet toconduct recording. A replacement ink cartridge used in the inkjetprinter is usually packed with a packing member such as a bag or a case,and it is displayed in shops such as an electronic store or a computersupply store.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-199473discloses a packing case formed of a paper box for accommodating an inkcartridge.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-255625 disclosesa film-like packing member for packing an ink cartridge.

However, in conventional ink cartridge packing members including onesdescribed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-199473 andJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-255625, there is aproblem that packing or unpacking is troublesome.

For example, in the packing case described in the above PatentLiterature 1, ten or more folding portions including margins for pasting(adhesion portion) must be folded along folding lines and the marginsfor pasting are adhered to predetermined portions, which packing work istroublesome. Further, in the packing member described in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2000-255625, a cartridge must be rotated 1 and¾ times until packing is completed, that is, the cartridge must be woundby the film-like packing member about two times and thermal adhesionmust then be conducted around the cartridge, which packing work istroublesome.

As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-199473,in a system where an ink cartridge is accommodated in a packing caseconstituted of a paper bag, generally, after the ink cartridge isaccommodated in a bag constituted of a film material or the like, it isaccommodated in a paper box case, which requires a work for opening thepaper box to further open the bag, and requires a troublesome unpackingwork. Further, the packing member described in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2000-255625 also requires uncoiling of thepacking member about two times for unpacking, which unpacking work istroublesome.

The conventional ink cartridge packing member has such a problem that alarge amount of rubbish is disposed after unpacking. In particular, whenan ink cartridge is accommodated in a paper box case after it isreceived in a bag formed of film material, both the bag and the paperbox opened become rubbish, which increases the amount waste. Further,the packing member described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-OpenNo. 2000-255625 requires a packing material with a large area sufficientfor about two windings around the cartridge, and all of the unpackedpacking materials become rubbish.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems inthe conventional packing of an ink cartridge, and to provide a packingmember for an ink cartridge that makes packing and unpacking easy andcan reduce an amount of rubbish disposed after unpacking, a packed bodyof an ink cartridge, and a packing/unpacking method of an ink cartridge.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the packing member is constituted as an adhesive label, aportion of the label is applied with a cutting-off assisting work, theink cartridge is packed by adhering the label on the ink cartridge, andthe ink cartridge is unpacked by peeling off one portion of the labelalong the cutting-off assisting work.

According to the present invention, since the packing member isconstituted as the adhesive label, the cutting-off assisting work isprovided on one portion of the label, the ink cartridge is packed byadhering the label to the cartridge, and the ink cartridge is unpackedby peeling off the one portion of the label along the cutting-offassisting work, the amount of the packing member can be reduced and theamount of rubbish to be disposed due to unpacking can be reduced.Further, packing and unpacking can be performed easily.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, one portion of release coated paper of the adhesive label isleft unpeeled to be adhered on the cartridge.

According to the present invention, since one portion of the releasecoated paper of the adhesive label is left unpeeled to be adhered on thecartridge, peeling-off of the label at an unpacking time is easy.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the release coated paper left unpeeled is formed on a portionof the label that is cut off at an unpacking time.

According to the present invention, since the release coated paper leftunpeeled is formed on a portion of the label to be cut off at anunpacking time, a portion of the label unpacked by being cutting off canbe peeled off from the cartridge easily, and adhesive can be preventedfrom remaining on the cartridge surface after unpacking.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, an end side of at least one portion of the release coatedpaper left unpeeled is provided with a tearing-off line for the releasecoated paper along the cutting-off assisting work.

According to the present invention, since the tearing-off line for therelease coated paper is provided such that an end side of at least oneportion of the release coated paper left unpeeled extends along thecutting-off assisting work, cutting-off of the label can be performedusing the end side of the release coated paper as a core, cutting-off isprevented from deviating from the cutting-off assisting work, whichfacilitates the unpacking work.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a portion of the label cut off at the unpacking time has, ona back face of the label, an adhesive exposure portion having apredetermined range within the cutting-off assisting work.

According to the present invention, since a portion of the label to becut off at an unpacking time has the adhesive exposure portion on thelabel back face in a predetermined range within the cutting-offassisting work, floating of the cutting-off portion can be suppressed tothe utmost even if the release coated paper is left.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a hanging portion formed with a hanging rail insertion holeis provided.

According to the present invention, since the hanging portion formedwith the hanging rail insertion hole is provided, displaying, storing,or the like can be performed easily.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the hanging portion is partially left with the release coatedpaper of the adhesive label.

According to the present invention, since the release coated paper ofthe adhesive label is partially left on the hanging portion, thestrength of the hanging portion can be increased.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, two label surface sheets are adhered to each other so as tosandwich the partially left release coated paper to form the hangingportion.

According to the present invention, since the hanging portion is formedby adhering two label surface sheets to each other so as to sandwich therelease coated paper left partially, the strength of the hanging portioncan be further enhanced.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a tearing-off line for the partially left release coatedpaper serves as an assisting line when the two label surface sheets areadhered to each other.

According to the present invention, since the tearing-off line of therelease coated paper left partially serves as an assistant line when twolabel surface sheets are adhered to each other, an adhering work can befacilitated, and the label surface sheets do not adhere to each otherwith a state deviated from each other.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the two label surface sheets on the hanging portion and theleft release coated paper have the same shape.

According to the present invention, since the shapes of the two labelsurface sheets and the left release coated paper in the hanging portionare the same, the strength of the entire hanging portion can be furtherenhanced.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the hanging portion is an unpacking start portion at anunpacking time of the cartridge.

According to the present invention, since the hanging portion is theunpacking starting portion at a time of cartridge unpacking, anunpacking work can be conducted easily by utilizing the hanging portionas a guide at a time of peeling off the label.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a wide exposure portion of adhesive is formed at a proximalportion of the hanging portion.

According to the present invention, since the wide exposure portion ofadhesive is formed on the proximal portion of the hanging portion, theproximal portion of the hanging portion that is easily peeled off can befirmly adhered.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the cutting-off assisting work starts on an extension line ofboth side edges of the hanging portion.

According to the present invention, since the cutting-off assisting workstarts from extension lines on both side edges of the hanging portion,the unpacking work can be conducted smoothly while holding the hangingportion.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, cuttings are provided at both sides of the proximal portionof the hanging portion in a predetermined range.

According to the present invention, since cuttings are provided inpredetermined ranges on both sides of the proximal portion of thehanging portion, the label can be prevented from being damaged at theproximal portion of the hanging portion and even if the label is peeledoff at the proximal portion, the peeled-off label can be recovered toits original state by re-adhering.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, ends of the cuttings and ends of the cutting-off assistingwork are in communication with each other.

According to the present invention, since the ends of the cuttings andthe end of the cutting-off assisting work are in communication with eachother, cutting is naturally guided by the assisting work in unpackingwork conducted while the hanging portion is held, so that the unpackingwork is facilitated and the label is prevented from being damaged.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a tearing-off line for the release coated paper is providedso as to allow continuous peeling-off of the release coated paper acrossthe cutting-off assisting work.

According to the present invention, since the tearing-off line for therelease coated paper is provided such that the release coated paper canbe continuously peeled off to cross the cutting-off assisting work, therelease coated paper of the cutting-off portion and the remainingportion can be continuously peeled off using the cutting-off assistingwork as a boundary, which facilitates the packing work.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, an ink supplying portion of the ink cartridge is sealed by aportion of a label cut off at the unpacking time.

According to the present invention, since the ink supplying portion ofthe ink cartridge is sealed with a portion of the label cut off at anunpacking time, it is unnecessary to provide a sealing memberseparately.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a remaining portion of the label left at the unpacking timeis adhered on a joining portion of a member constituting an exteriorcase of the ink cartridge even after unpacking.

According to the present invention, since the remaining portion cut offat an unpacking time is adhered to the joining portion of a memberconstituting the exterior case of the ink cartridge even afterunpacking, the strength of the cartridge can be maintained even afterunpacking.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a remaining portion of the label left at the unpacking timeis adhered on a fitting portion of a part constituted as a separate partinto the case main unit near an ink supplying portion of the inkcartridge even after unpacking.

According to the present invention, since the remaining portion cut-offat an unpacking time is adhered to the fitting portion of a partconstituted as a separate part to the case main unit near the inksupplying portion of the ink cartridge even after unpacking, the fittingof the separate part into the case main unit can be reinforced evenafter unpacking.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the packing member is constituted as a sheet of adhesivelabel.

According to the present invention, since the packing member isconstituted as one sheet of adhesive label, cost for the packing membercan be suppressed.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, the packing member is formed by punching in one step.

According to the present invention, since the packing member is formedby punching in one step, cost for the packing member can be suppressed.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, release coated paper tearing-off line of the packing memberis formed by die cutting in one step.

According to the present invention, since the tearing-off line for therelease coated paper of the packing member is formed by die cutting inone step, cost for the packing member can be suppressed.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, a portion cut off at the unpacking time is formed in asubstantially Y shape.

According to the present invention, since a portion to be cut off at anunpacking time is formed in a substantially Y shape, unpacking isfacilitated by reducing a cut-off area, and since the area of the labelleft after unpacking increases, an amount of information that can beindicated on the label can be increased.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, information required before cartridge unpacking is indicatedon a portion cut off at the unpacking time.

According to the present invention, since the information requiredbefore cartridge unpacking is indicated on the portion to be cut off atan unpacking time, an indication required by the user can be seen whenit is necessary. Indications after unpacking can be seen more clearly.

In a packing member for an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention, information required after cartridge unpacking is indicatedon a remaining portion left after cut off at the unpacking time.

According to the present invention, since information required aftercartridge unpacking is indicated on the remaining portion to be cut offat the unpacking time, an indication required by the user can be seenwhen it is necessary.

In a packed body of an ink cartridge according to the present invention,an ink cartridge is packed with a packing member described in any one ofthe above packing members.

According to the ink cartridge packed body of the present invention, theamount of the packing member can be reduced and the amount of rubbish tobe disposed after unpacking can be reduced. Packing and unpacking worksare conducted easily.

A packing/unpacking method of an ink cartridge according to the presentinvention is a packing/unpacking method of an ink cartridge that packsan ink cartridge with a packing member or unpacks the ink cartridge, andincludes steps of adhering the packing member constituted as an adhesivelabel partially applied with a cutting-off assisting work on the inkcartridge to pack the ink cartridge, and peeling off a portion of theadhesive label along the cutting-off assisting work to unpack the inkcartridge.

According to the packing/unpacking method of an ink cartridge of thepresent invention, the amount of the packing member can be reduced andthe amount of rubbish to be disposed after unpacking can be reduced.Packing and unpacking works are conducted easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are appearance views of one example of an inkcartridge packed with a packing member according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is partial view of a rear face portion of the ink cartridge;

FIG. 3 is a partial view for explaining ink supply from the inkcartridge;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of the packing member accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a back side of a main label of the packingmember;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a state in which a portion of release coatedpaper for the main label has been peeled off;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of a state in which the packingmember of the present embodiment has been adhered to an ink cartridge;

FIG. 8 is perspective views of an unpacking work of the packing memberof the present embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the packing memberaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a state in which the packing member hasbeen adhered to an ink cartridge; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an unpacking work for the packingmember.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will be explained in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are appearance views of one example of an inkcartridge packed with a packing member according to the presentinvention, FIG. 1A being a front view, FIG. 1B being a side view, andFIG. 1C being a perspective view. In the following explanation, a faceshown in FIG. 1A is a front face of a cartridge, a side (back side)opposed thereto is a rear face of the cartridge, a face shown in FIG. 1Bis a right side face of the cartridge, and a side opposed thereto,namely, a side shown in FIG. 1C is a left side face of the cartridge.Further, an upper side on FIG. 1A is defined as an upper face and alower side hereon is defined as a lower face.

As apparent from FIGS. 1A to 1D, a cartridge 1 is fundamentally formedin a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a shape approximating to asquare when seen from a side face thereof. When the cartridge 1 is seenfrom its front, it has a considerably large height as compared with itswidth, and is formed in a thinned type.

A projection portion 2 is formed on a front end portion on an upper faceof the cartridge. The projection portion 2 constitutes as a first fingerputting portion on which a finger of a user is put when the cartridge 1is held. Further, a notch portion 3 is formed on a portion of a frontface of the cartridge that is positioned slightly below the centerthereof in a shape recessed toward the inside of the cartridge. A cornerportion 4 on an upper side of the notch portion 3 constitutes a secondfinger putting portion on which a finger of the user is put when thecartridge 1 is held. A portion extending from the projection portion 2to the corner portion 4 constitutes a holding portion applied forholding the cartridge 1.

The ink cartridge 1 has an exterior case constituted of three parts ofleft and right side face cases 1 a and 1 b, and a rear portion cover 1 cthat covers an ink filling portion described later. Guide members 9 and10 applied when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on a cartridge mountingportion of a printer main unit (not shown) are formed on an upper faceand a bottom face of the cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 2, a notch 6 is formed on a rear face portion of theink cartridge 1. An ink supplying tube 7 connected to an ink bag 8housed in the cartridge is provided to be positioned inside the notch 6.A rubber is fitted into the ink supplying tube 7, and an ink supplyingneedle 110 (FIG. 3) provided in the printer main unit projectinglypenetrates the ink supplying tube 7 so that a distal end of the needleadvances into the ink bag 8, which allows supplying of ink. When the inksupplying needle 110 is drawn out (the cartridge is demounted), therubber in the ink supplying tube 7 closes a hole formed by the needle,which prevents ink from leaking.

As shown on a rear face view on the left side in FIG. 2, the notch 6 hasan almost circular section opened (notched) at both side faces of thecassette. The ink supplying tube 7 with a cylindrical section isprovided concentrically with the notch 6.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the ink supplying needle 110whose periphery is protected by a protective pipe 109 is provided on themain unit side of the printer, not shown. The ink supplying needles 110are provided in the number corresponding to the number of colors (thenumber) of cartridges. The protective pipe 109 is shorter in length thanthat of the ink supplying needle 110, and the ink supplying needle 110is disposed in the depth of the cartridge mounting portion of theprinter main unit in a state in which the ink supplying needle 110projects from a distal end of the protective pipe 109. When the inkcartridge 1 is completely mounted on the cartridge mounting portion (notshown), as shown in FIG. 3, the ink supplying needle 110 penetrates theink supplying tube 7 so that the needle distal end advances into the inkbag 8. Ink in the cartridge (in the ink bag 8) is supplied to aprinthead during printing.

In FIG. 2, an ink filling tube 5 is provided to be positioned below theink supplying tube 7 and be connected to the ink bag 8. The ink fillingtube 5 is used for filling ink into the ink bag 8 in a factory. Afterthe ink bag 8 filled with ink is accommodated in the left and right sideface cases 1 a and 1 b, the ink filling portion is covered and only theink supplying tube 7 is exposed to the cartridge rear face by fittingthe rear portion cover 1 c to the side face cases 1 a and 1 b.

A packing member that packs the ink cartridge 1 constituted as abovewill be explained below.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of the packing member accordingto the present invention. A cartridge packing member 20 shown in thedrawing is constituted of three labels (tack paper) of a main label 21,a side face label 22, and a front face label 23. Here, the packingmember is divided into three sheets, but it may be provided on one ortwo pieces of tack paper as three parts. A surface (outer face) of thepacking member 20 is shown in FIG. 4.

The main label 21 is formed in a “convex” shape with a vertically longerside, and the side face label 22 and the front face label 23 arerectangular. Each label is an adhesion sheet constituted of a surfacebase material (surface sheet)/adhesive/release coated paper (a backsheet). As the surface base material, for example, not only such a labelsheet as a cast-coated paper or a woodfree paper, or a cardboard or acoating paper/a recycled paper, but also a film label can be used. Asthe adhesive, recyclable adhesive is suitable.

Further, the surface of release coated paper is generally laminated withpolyethylene and applied with a silicon releasing agent. However,release coated paper of a type having, for example, a clay-coated layer,that does not use a polyethylene film that obstructs recycling or thelike is developed, and such a recyclable paper is preferable.

The side face label 22 is adhered to a right side face of the cartridge1, namely, the right side face case 1 a shown in FIG. 1B. The front facelabel 23 is adhered to a portion between the projection portion 2 andthe corner portion 4 of the cartridge front face. The main label 21 isadhered to a portion of the cartridge 1 from the left side face up to aportion of the cartridge right side face via the rear face portion in aturning manner (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).

The main label 21 having the “convex” shape with a vertically longerside is constituted of three portions of a right side portion 21 a, aleft side portion 21 b, and a central portion 21 c. Perforations 24, 24are provided at boundaries between the central portion 21 c and both theside portions 21 a and b. When the cartridge is opened, the centralportion 21 c is released from the both side portions 21 a and b alongthe perforations 24, 24. The perforations 24, 24 are provided so as topenetrate the surface sheet to the release coated paper (the backsheet), namely the label from its surface to its back surface. Here,such an expression as perforations is used, not only the perforations(discontinuous holes) but any assistant working that facilitatescutting-off can be utilized in the present invention.

In FIG. 4, cuttings 25, 25 are provided at upper portions ofperforations 24, 24, namely in predetermined ranges extending fromcorners defined between the central portion 21 c and the both left andright side portions 21 a and b toward the perforations 24, 24. Thecuttings 25, 25 are for assisting opening of the cartridge such that thecentral portion 21 c can be released smoothly along the perforations 24,24. Functions of the cuttings 25, 25 will be described later togetherwith explanation about of opening work.

Two notches 26, 26 are provided at an upper portion of the centralportion 21 c shown in FIG. 4. The two notches 26, 26 have the same shapebut their orientations are reversed to each other. The two notches 26,26 are superimposed to each other at a packing time as described later,thereby, serving as holes that allow insertion of a hanging rail in ashop

FIG. 5 is a plan view (a rear view) of a back side of the main label 21.

As shown in the drawing, two cutting lines (tearing-off lines) 28 and 29are provided on the release coated paper (the back sheet) 27 of the mainlabel 21. The release coated paper 27 is partitioned to three portions((1) to (3)) through the two cutting lines 28 and 29. The cutting line28 is positioned at the center between the two notches 26, 26 and isprovided to be parallel to a bottom side and an upper side (in FIG. 5)of the main label 21. The cutting line 29 is formed symmetrically suchthat, after lines constituting the cutting line extend from the cornerportions defined between the central portion 21 c and both the sideportions 21 a and b inwardly, they turn to extend obliquely downwardlyand outwardly, further extend in parallel to the perforations 24, 24,and change their directions at a right angle inwardly at a predetermineddistance from the bottom side of the label to connect to each other.When the maximum distance from the cuttings 25, 25 at an upper endportion of the cutting line 29 (that is, a starting portion of thecutting line 29) is represented as h1, and a distance from theperforation 24 at a portion of the cutting line 29 that extends inparallel with the perforations 24, 24 is represented as h2, h1>h2 (h1 isconsiderably larger than h2) can be obtained.

When the ink cartridge 1 is packed, the upper portion release coatedpaper 27(1) and the lower both side portions release coated paper 27(3)of the release coated paper 27 of the main label 21 are peeled off, andthe central portion release coated paper 27(2) is left unpeeled. FIG. 6depicts a state in which the release coated paper 27(1) and the releasecoated paper 27(3) have been peeled off. In FIG. 6, hatched portions areportions of the main label from which the release coated paper have beenpeeled off so that adhesives on the back face of the surface sheet areexposed.

On the other hand, the side face label 22 and the front face label 23are simply rectangular, and release coated paper thereof are alsorectangular. Cutting lines may be provided on the release coated paperfor facilitating peeling-off, as necessary. Further, the side face label22 and the front face label 23 may be provided on the same (one) tackpaper.

A packing work for the ink cartridge 1 using the cartridge packingmember 20 of the embodiment constituted as above, namely, the labels 21to 23 will be explained mainly with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B andproperly with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict astate in which each label is adhered on the ink cartridge 1, and thecartridge is shown in a state with its rear face directed downwardly.FIG. 7A depicts the cartridge when viewed from the right side facethereof and FIG. 7B depicts the cartridge when viewed from the left sideface thereof.

Procedures for packing are itemized below. In each procedure, the figurenumber, which should be mainly referred to, is shown in a parenthesis.

-   -   1: First, peeling off the release coated paper of the front face        label 23 to adhere the front face label 23 on a portion of the        front face of the cartridge 1 between the projection portion 2        and the corner portion 4 (FIGS. 7A and 7B).    -   2: Next, peeling off the release coated paper of the side face        label 22 to adhere the side face label 22 on a portion of the        cartridge 1 on the right side face (FIGS. 7A and 7B).    -   3: Peeling off the upper release coated paper 27(1) of the main        label 21 to fold the main label 21 along the cutting line 28 of        the release coated paper 27(2) to be left unpeeled thereby        performing adhesion using the release coated paper 27(2) as a        core (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). Thus, two surface sheets and the        release coated paper therebetween are adhered so that a        reinforced hanging portion 30 is formed, and simultaneously two        notches 26, 26 are superimposed on each other so that one hole        26 for a rail is formed (FIGS. 7A and 7B).    -   4: Peeling off the release coated paper 27(3) of the main label        21. At that time, even if peeling-off starts from the right side        or the left side, the release coated paper 27(3) can be peeled        off up to the opposite side all around.    -   5: Putting, on a front side of the right side face of the ink        cartridge 1, both shoulder portions (the upsides of both the        left and right side portions 21 a and b in FIG. 5) of the main        label 21 from which the release coated paper 27(3) has been        peeled off to adhere the main label 21 on the left side face of        the cartridge 1 in such a manner that the label is being rubbed        from its back side (FIGS. 7A and 7B). Since a proximal end        portion of the hanging portion 30 is easily peeled off, adhesion        thereof is securely performed. For this reason, the cutting line        29 is provided such that the portion has a wider exposure of the        adhesive (the portions of the width h₁ in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6=both        the left and right sides).    -   6: Folding the main label 21 from the left side face of the        cartridge 1 toward the rear face to further advance adhering        (FIGS. 7A and 7B).    -   7: Further folding the main label 21 from the rear face of the        cartridge 1 toward the right side face to adhere a lower portion        of the label 21 on the right side face of the cartridge (FIGS.        7A and 7B). At that time, the lower side (the lower side in        FIG. 6) of the label 21 is positioned at a depth side (the lower        side in FIGS. 7A and 7B) of the side face label 22.

When the adhering work of each label is completed in this manner,packing of the ink cartridge 1 using the cartridge packing member 20 ofthe embodiment is completed. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a state in whichpacking is completed, which is also a state of the cartridge for sale.In a shop, a supplier, or the like, a rail of a display shelf isinserted into the rail hole 26 of the hanging portion 30 so that the inkcartridge 1 can be sold or stored in a hanging state thereof. Thecartridges 1 may be placed on a shelf board side by side.

In the packing member 20 of the embodiment, packing can be completed byonly peeling off the release coated paper of the label constituted ofthree parts to adhere the label on a cartridge, which is easy as apacking work. In addition, simultaneously, the hanging portion 30 forsale can be formed. Further, the entire ink cartridge is not wrappedwith a packing material several times, but a portion of the cartridge isexposed, and the ink cartridge is bagged and received in a paper box.Therefore, the packing material can be reduced thus the cost is low. Theamount of the release coated paper to be peeled off at a packing time isreduced and the amount of waste is also reduced.

In the packing member 20 of the embodiment, since the main label 21 isadhered from the left side face of the cartridge 1 to the rear facefurther over the right side face, the ink supplying tube 7 positioned atthe cartridge rear face is sealed by the main label 21.

As described above, the ink cartridge 1 has the exterior caseconstituted by joining the left and right side face cases 1 a and 1 band further fitting the rear portion cover 1 c into the side face cases1 a and 1 b, while the joining of the side face cases 1 a and 1 b arestrengthened by adhering the front face label 23 on the case joiningportion of the cartridge front face and adhering the main label 21 onthe case joining portion of the cartridge rear face. Further, fitting ofthe rear portion cover 1 c into the side face cases 1 a and 1 b isstrengthened by adhering a portion of the side face label 22 and themain label 21 on the rear portion cover 1 c.

An unpacking work of the cartridge packing member 20 of the embodimentwill be explained next with reference to FIG. 8.

Procedures for unpacking will be itemized below.

-   -   1: Picking the hanging portion 30 of the main label 21 to bend        the same and peeling off the proximal end portion (portion        positioned inside the both side cuttings 25, 25) of the hanging        portion from the cartridge.    -   2: Further bending the hanging portion 30 on the rear face side        to release the central portion 21 c of the main label from the        both left and right side portions 21 a and b along the        perforations 24, 24.    -   3: Turning the central portion 21 c of the main label from the        rear face portion up to the right side face portion on the back        side of the cartridge and releasing the central portion 21 c        from the both left and right side portions 21 a and b        completely, thereby completing the unpacking.

The ink cartridge 1 of which unpacking is completed is inserted into aslot 115 of a cartridge mounting portion 108 of the printer main unitshown in FIG. 8, in such a direction as shown in FIG. 8. At that time,guide members 9 and 10 positioned on upper and lower faces of thecartridge 1 are fitted into slits 111 and 112 so that the cartridge ispositioned.

The unpacking work in the cartridge packing member 20 of the embodimentis completed by turning the central portion 21 c of the main label halfround, as described above which is very easy. In addition, since the inksupplying tube 7 on the cartridge rear face is exposed by peeling offthe central portion 21 c of the main label, time and labor for peelingoff a sealing member or the like separately can be saved. Further, thedisposed rubbish after unpacking is only the central portion 21 c of themain label, which results in reduction of waste.

When the cartridge is sold or stored in such a state as shown in FIGS.7A and 7B, the proximal portion (the inside portion between the cuttings25, 25 on both the left and right sides) of the hanging portion 30 canbe easily peeled off from the cartridge 1. For example, when a customertries to hold the cartridge 1 hung from a rail to take a look, thecartridge portion is pulled toward the customer side so that the hangingportion 30 receives resistance from the rail. Therefore, a force actssuch that the proximal portion of the hanging portion 30 separates fromthe cartridge. In the packing member 20 of the present embodiment,however, as shown in FIG. 6, since the cutting line 29 of the releasecoated paper is provided such that adhesive is exposed widely (h1) onthe back face of the proximal portion of the hanging portion 30, theportion can be securely adhered on the cartridge 1, and peeling-off ofthe proximal portion of the hanging portion can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, since the cuttings 25, 25 are provided by thepredetermined distance in an unpacking direction (in a direction ofcutting off the central portion 21 c of the main label from the bothleft and right side portions 21 a, 21 b), the label is prevented frombeing damaged when the proximal portion of the hanging portion 30 ispeeled off.

That is, assuming that the portions of the cuttings 25, 25 areconstituted of perforations 24, when the portions receive a force actingsuch that the proximal portion of the hanging portion 30 is peeled offfrom the cartridge during displaying at a shop as explained above, thereis a high possibility that the label may be torn along the perforationsor in a direction different from the perforations. A cartridge with atorn label is defective for sale. However, since the cuttings 25, 25 areprovided, the force acting on the hanging portion 30 only serves to peeloff the proximal portion of the hanging portion from the cartridge anddoes not damage the label. If a large force acts on the hanging portion,distal portions of the cuttings 25, 25 may tear. However, when it is asmall force, the proximal portion is only peeled off, and the portioncan be adhered to the cartridge again.

In the packing member 20 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6,the exposure width of adhesive inside the perforation is small as h2(see FIG. 5) and the width of the release coated paper 27(2) becomeswider on a portion below the cuttings 25, 25 (a portion near the rearface of the cartridge). Therefore, peeling-off is suppressed by theadhesive with the width h1 in an initial stage of unpacking, but thecentral portion 21 c of the main label can easily be peeled off afterthe portion has been peeled off. Accordingly, the unpacking work isfacilitated. Since side faces of the release coated paper 27(2) leftunpeeled extend along (in parallel with) the perforations 24, 24 atportions below the cuttings 25, 25, when the central portion 21 c is cutfrom the both left and right side portions 21 a and b, cutting at theperforations is assisted by the release coated paper 27(2), whichfacilitates cutting.

Since the exposure area of adhesive on a portion to be peeled off at anunpacking time (central portion 21 c) is reduced (an area pasted on thecartridge 1 is reduced), adhesive left on the cartridge 1 after beingunpacked is reduced, so that stickiness or dirt due to dusts isprevented from occurring.

In the packing member 20 of the present embodiment, since both the leftand right side portions 21 a and b of the main label 21 is left adheredto the cartridge after being unpacked, joining and fitting of the leftand right side face cases 1 a and 1 b and the rear portion cover 1 c ofthe cartridge 1 can be kept in a reinforced state.

The packing member 20 of the present embodiment is constituted of threelabels, but the respective labels may be arranged on one adhesive sheet.It is also possible to form the respective labels by punching in onestep. It is further possible to form cutting lines for respective labelrelease coated paper by die cutting in one step.

Although the material for the label has been described above, when alabel including a metal thin film layer is used, shading property can beimproved, so that temperature rising inside the ink cartridge can bereduced.

A second embodiment of the packing member will be explained next.

A packing member 40 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is constituted ofonly one sheet of label 41. The label 41 has one perforation 44 formedin a substantially “Y” shape. Therefore, when a central portion 41 c ofthe label 41 is cut off along the perforation 44, the label 41 isseparated into two parts. In the drawing, the central portion 41 c isprovided at its upper portion with two notches 46, 46. The notches 46,46 constitute a hole through which a hanging rail is inserted at a shopby superimposing them at a packing time as in the previous embodiment.

In FIG. 9, cuttings 45, 45 are provided at upper portions of both endsof the perforation 44, namely, in predetermined ranges extending fromcorners defined by the central portion 41 c and both the left and rightside portions 41 a and b toward the perforation 44. The cuttings 45, 45are for assisting unpacking such that the central portion 41 c can beseparated smoothly along the perforation 44. Function of the cuttings45, 45 is similar to the function of the cuttings 25, 25 in the previousembodiment.

A portion of the label 41 below a portion of the perforation 44extending horizontally in the drawing corresponds to the side face label22 described in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, a portion41-2 of the label 41 shown on the right side in the drawing is a portionto be adhered to a left side face of the cartridge 1. A portion 41-3 ofthe label 41 shown on the right side in FIG. 9 is a portion to beadhered to a back face of the cartridge 1. A portion 41-1 of the label41 shown on the right side in the drawing is a portion to be adhered toa right side face of the cartridge 1. Portions 41-4 of both the left andright side portions 41 a and b of the label shown on the right side inthe drawing are portions to be adhered to a front face of the cartridge1. A portion 41-5 of the label central portion 41 c shown on the rightside in the drawing is a portion folded into two to constitute thehanging portion 30 (FIG. 10).

A cutting line provided on a back side of the label 41, namely releasecoated paper is not shown, but it is provided so as to expose adhesivewidely at a proximal portion of the hanging portion 30 and exposeadhesive with a narrow width at a portion along the perforation 44subsequent thereto as in the previous embodiment. FIG. 11 depicts a wideexposure portion 42 of adhesive, a narrow exposure portion 43 thereof,and release coated paper 47 left unpeeled in the label 41.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a state in which the ink cartridge 1 ispacked with the packing member 40 of the present embodiment.

As shown in the drawing, the label 41 is adhered from the left side faceof the cartridge 1 to the right side face through the back face in anadvancing manner, so that the ink cartridge 1 is packed with a sheet oflabel 41. In the present embodiment, since the packing member isconstituted of a sheet of label 41, a packing work is facilitatedincredibly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an unpacking work in the packing member40 of the present embodiment.

As shown in the drawing, by cutting the central portion of the label 41from the both left and right side portions along the perforation, theink cartridge 1 is unpacked. As in the previous embodiment, sinceunpacking is completed by only bending the hanging portion 30 to turn itabout half round, the unpacking work is very easy. The ink supplyingtube 7 on the rear face of the cartridge is exposed by unpacking as inthe previous embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, since the wide exposure portion 42 is formed on theproximal portion of the hanging portion 30, peeling-off of the label canbe suppressed effectively during displaying, storing, or the like.Further, for example, even if the hanging portion 30 slightly peels off,since the cuttings 45, 45 (FIG. 9) are provided, the label does not teareasily. A portion below the wide exposure portion 42 (on the back faceside of the cartridge) facilitates the unpacking work owing to thenarrow exposure portion 43 of adhesive. By leaving one portion of therelease coated paper unpeeled, adhesion of adhesive to the cartridgeafter unpacking can be suppressed. Since a side of the release coatedpaper 47 left unpeeled in the narrow exposure portion 43 extends alongthe perforation 44 (in parallel), unpacking is easy.

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, since end portions of the both left andright side portions 41 a and b of the label 41 (portions with indicationof “ICA02” representing a cartridge model number and “Bk” representingan ink color), that is, portions shown by 41-4 on the right side in FIG.9 are adhered on the front face of the cartridge 1, the portion of thelabel 41 shown by 41-3 on the right side in FIG. 9 is adhered to therear face of the cartridge 1, and these portions remain adhered aftercartridge is unpacked (one portion of the portion indicated by 41-3 isleft), joining and fitting of the left and right side face cases 1 a and1 b and the rear portion cover 1 c (FIGS. 1A to 1D and FIG. 2) of thecartridge 1 can be kept in a reinforced state.

In the present embodiment, since the packing member 40 is constituted ofone sheet of label 41, a packing work is simplified. Efficiency ofmanufacturing or storage of the packing member is improved. In thepresent embodiment also, it is possible to form the label 41 by punchingin one step, and form the release coated paper cutting line of the label41 by die cutting in one step.

In the present embodiment, since the portion 41 c to be cut off at anunpacking time is formed in a substantially Y shape, unpacking isfacilitated by reducing a cut-off area, and since the area of the labelleft after unpacking increases, an amount of information which can beindicated on the label (by printing or the like) can be increased.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the packing member 40 of the present embodiment,an indication of procedure for an unpacking work is provided on theportion (41 c) to be cut off at an unpacking time. Indications of themodel number of the cartridge or ink color, or reminder for cartridgehandling or contact address are provided on a portion left adhered tothe cartridge after unpacking. Similar indications can be provided alsoin the previous embodiment.

All indications are provided on a surface of the packing member beforeunpacking of the cartridge, and the procedure for an unpacking work ofthe cartridge becomes unnecessary after unpacking, but the model numberof the cartridge or the ink color, or the reminder for cartridgehandling are necessary even after unpacking or at an exchanging timeafter ink consumption. In the packing member of the present invention,since the indications that become unnecessary after unpacking areprovided on the cutting-off portion and the indications required afterunpacking are provided on the portions left adhered after unpacking, theindications required by a user can be seen as necessary.

In the conventional packing aspect where an ink cartridge is bagged orpacked in a box, various indications provided on a surface of a bag or abox are discarded after unpacking, so that information required afterunpacking can not be provided to a user. However, in the packing memberand an ink cartridge packed body of the present invention, both of theinformation required before unpacking (the procedure of unpacking work,disposal procedure of rubbish caused by unpacking, and the like) and theinformation required after unpacking (the model number or the ink color,the reminder for handling, and the like) can be precisely provided tothe user through the indications provided on the packing member. Forachieving these functions in the conventional packing aspect,indications must be provided on both the packing member and the inkcartridge (a cartridge in the packing member) itself, which results inincrease in cost. The packing member and the ink cartridge packed by thepacking member of the present embodiment do not require doubleindications.

While the present invention is explained above with reference to thedrawings, it is not limited thereto. For example, the appearance, thesize, or the like of the label constituting the packing member can beset arbitrarily. The size or shape of the wide exposure portion ofadhesive, the width of the narrow exposure portion, or the lengths ofthe cuttings 25 and 45 can be set arbitrarily. The width, the length,the shape, and the like of the portions of the label to be cut off arenot limited to the shown ones, but they may be set arbitrarily. Theshape or the size of the hanging portion 30, the rail hole and the likecan be set arbitrarily. Further, the constitution of the ink cartridgecan be adopted arbitrarily. The shape of the packing member, the size,and the shape of the cutting-off portion, or the like can be set so asto correspond to the shape, the size, and the like of the ink cartridge.Directions and the like for packing and unpacking can be setarbitrarily.

As explained above, according to the packing member of the ink cartridgeof the invention, since the packing member is constituted as theadhesive label, the cutting-off assisting work is provided on oneportion of the label, the ink cartridge is packed by adhering the labelto the cartridge, and the ink cartridge is unpacked by peeling off theone portion of the label along the cutting-off assisting work, theamount of the packing member can be reduced and the amount of rubbish tobe disposed due to unpacking can be reduced. Further, packing andunpacking can be performed easily.

Since one portion of the release coated paper of the adhesive label isleft unpeeled to be adhered on the cartridge, peeling-off of the labelat an unpacking time is easy.

Since the release coated paper left unpeeled is formed on a portion ofthe label to be cut off at an unpacking time, a portion of the labelunpacked by being cutting off can be peeled off from the cartridgeeasily, and adhesive can be prevented from remaining on the cartridgesurface after unpacking.

Since the tearing-off line for the release coated paper is provided suchthat an end side of at least one portion of the release coated paperleft unpeeled extends along the cutting-off assisting work, cutting-offof the label can be performed using the end side of the release coatedpaper as a core, cutting-off is prevented from deviating from thecutting-off assisting work, which facilitates the unpacking work.

Since a portion of the label to be cut off at an unpacking time has theadhesive exposure portion on the label back face in a predeterminedrange within the cutting-off assisting work, floating of the cutting-offportion can be suppressed to the utmost even if the release coated paperis left.

Since the hanging portion formed with the hanging rail insertion hole isprovided, displaying, storing, or the like can be performed easily.

Since the release coated paper of the adhesive label is partially lefton the hanging portion, the strength of the hanging portion can beincreased.

Since the hanging portion is formed by adhering two label surface sheetsto each other so as to sandwich the release coated paper left partially,the strength of the hanging portion can be further enhanced.

Since the tearing-off line of the release coated paper left partiallyserves as an assistant line when two label surface sheets are adhered toeach other, an adhering work can be facilitated, and the label surfacesheets do not adhere to each other with a state deviated from eachother.

Since the shapes of the two label surface sheets and the left releasecoated paper in the hanging portion are the same, the strength of theentire hanging portion can be further enhanced.

Since the hanging portion is the unpacking starting portion at a time ofcartridge unpacking, an unpacking work can be conducted easily byutilizing the hanging portion as a guide at a time of peeling off thelabel.

Since the wide exposure portion of adhesive is formed on the proximalportion of the hanging portion, the proximal portion of the hangingportion that is easily peeled off can be firmly adhered.

Since the cutting-off assisting work starts from extension lines on bothside edges of the hanging portion, the unpacking work can be conductedsmoothly while holding the hanging portion.

Since cuttings are provided in predetermined ranges on both sides of theproximal portion of the hanging portion, the label can be prevented frombeing damaged at the proximal portion of the hanging portion and even ifthe label is peeled off at the proximal portion, the peeled-off labelcan be recovered to its original state by re-adhering.

Since the ends of the cuttings and the end of the cutting-off assistingwork are in communication with each other, cutting is naturally guidedby the assisting work in unpacking work conducted while the hangingportion is held, so that the unpacking work is facilitated and the labelis prevented from being damaged.

Since the tearing-off line for the release coated paper is provided suchthat the release coated paper can be continuously peeled off to crossthe cutting-off assisting work, the release coated paper of thecutting-off portion and the remaining portion can be continuously peeledoff using the cutting-off assisting work as a boundary, whichfacilitates the packing work.

Since the ink supplying portion of the ink cartridge is sealed with aportion of the label cut off at an unpacking time, it is unnecessary toprovide a sealing member separately.

Since the remaining portion cut off at an unpacking time is adhered tothe joining portion of a member constituting the exterior case of theink cartridge even after unpacking, the strength of the cartridge can bemaintained even after unpacking.

Since the remaining portion cut off at an unpacking time is adhered tothe fitting portion of a part constituted as a separate part to the-casemain unit near the ink supplying portion of the ink cartridge even afterunpacking, the fitting of the separate part into the case main unit canbe reinforced even after unpacking.

Since the packing member is constituted as one sheet of adhesive label,cost for the packing member can be suppressed.

Since the packing member is formed by punching in one step, cost for thepacking member can be suppressed.

Since the tearing-off line for the release coated paper of the packingmember is formed by die cutting in one step, cost for the packing membercan be suppressed.

Since a portion to be cut off at an unpacking time is formed in asubstantially Y shape, unpacking is facilitated by reducing a cut-offarea, and since the area of the label left after unpacking increases, anamount of information that can be indicated on the label can beincreased.

Since the information required before cartridge unpacking is indicatedon the portion to be cut off at an unpacking time, an indicationrequired by the user can be seen when it is necessary. Indications afterunpacking can be seen more clearly.

Since information required after cartridge unpacking is indicated on theremaining portion to be cut off at the unpacking time, an indicationrequired by the user can be seen when it is necessary.

According to the ink cartridge packed body of the present invention andthe packing/unpacking method of an ink cartridge of the presentinvention, the amount of the packing member can be reduced and theamount of rubbish to be disposed after unpacking can be reduced. Packingand unpacking works are conducted easily.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the packing member for an ink cartridge, the packedbody of an ink cartridge, and the packing/unpacking method of an inkcartridge according to the present invention are useful for a techniquerelating to packing for a printer supply such as an ink cartridge or anink ribbon, and especially suitable for an inkjet printer using an inkcartridge or a system thereof.

1. A packing member for packing an ink cartridge, comprising: a labelsheet, the label sheet including: a coat of adhesive on a first surface;a first portion; a second portion; and a weakened or cut label sheetportion between the first portion and the second portion, wherein a partof the second portion is surrounded by the weakened or cut label sheetportion, the first portion and the second portion are configured to bereadily torn apart at the weakened or cut label sheet portion, and thesecond portion includes a hanging portion that includes a holeconfigured to be hung from a rail; and a release coated paper adhered tothe first surface of the label sheet, the release coated paperincluding: a first zone; a second zone; and a weakened or cut releasecoated paper portion separating the first zone and the second zone,wherein a part of the second zone is surrounded by the weakened or cutlabel sheet portion, and the first zone and the second zone areconfigured to be readily torn apart at the weakened or cut release paperportion, wherein when the packing member is adhered to the inkcartridge: the first zone is configured to be torn apart from the secondzone of the release coated paper and apart from the first surface suchthat the second zone remains adhered to the first surface, and thepackaging member is configured to adhere to the ink cartridge in amanner such that an area of the label sheet, where the first zone isconfigured to be torn apart from the first surface, is configured toadhere to a portion of the ink cartridge from a first side face of thecartridge up to a second side face of the cartridge via a rear faceportion of the cartridge in a turning manner so that a part of thesecond portion contacts an ink supplying portion of the ink cartridge toseal the ink supplying portion.
 2. The packing member according to claim1, wherein the first zone of the release coated paper that is adhered tothe first surface the label sheet extends over at least part of thesecond portion and at least part of the first portion.
 3. The packingmember according to claim 1, wherein the release coated paper includes aplurality of portions that are separated by a plurality of weakened orcut release paper portions that overlap with the weakened or cut labelsheet portion.
 4. The packing member according to claim 1, wherein aportion of the coat of adhesive on the first surface of the label sheetis partially exposed on a surface of the first portion.
 5. The packingmember according to claim 1, wherein the release coated paper includes athird zone located within a perimeter of the hanging portion, the thirdzone of the release coated paper configured to be separated from thefirst surface of the label sheet without separating the second zone ofthe release coated paper from the first surface of the label sheet sothat a portion of the second zone of the release coated paper remainsadhered to the hanging portion.
 6. The packing member according to claim5, wherein the hanging portion is formed by sandwiching the portion ofthe second zone of the release coated paper that remains adhered to thehanging portion between two sheets.
 7. The packing member according toclaim 6, wherein an end side of the portion of the second zone of therelease coated paper that remains adhered to the hanging portion isconfigured to serve as an assisting line when the hanging portion isformed.
 8. The packing member according to claim 6, wherein the releasecoated paper that remains adhered to the hanging portion has anidentical shape as the two sheets.
 9. The packing member according toclaim 1, wherein the ink cartridge packed with the packing member isconfigured to be unpacked from the hanging portion.
 10. The packingmember according to claim 1, wherein the first zone of the releasecoated paper narrows from a first width just below the hanging portionto a second width narrower than the first width and further from thehanging portion, so that removing the first zone of the release coatedpaper exposes a wider portion of adhesive at the first width than thesecond width.
 11. The packing member according to claim 1, wherein asecond weakened or cut label sheet portion and an end side of thehanging portion are on an identical line.
 12. The packing memberaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of weakened or cutlabel sheet portions that are arranged on extension lines of both endsides of the hanging portion.
 13. The packing member according to claim12, wherein the plurality of weakened or cut label sheet portions arelinked.
 14. The packing member according to claim 1, wherein the packingmember is configured to pack the ink cartridge by separating the firstzone of the release coated paper from the first surface of the labelsheet, peeling the first zone of the release coated paper across theweakened or cut label sheet portion so that a portion of the coat ofadhesive on the first surface of the label sheet is partially exposed,and adhering the packing member to the ink cartridge.
 15. The packingmember according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is configured toseal an ink supplying portion of the ink cartridge.
 16. The packingmember according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is configured toadhere on a joint of an exterior case of the ink cartridge afterunpacking the ink cartridge.
 17. The packing member according to claim1, wherein the first portion is configured to be adhered on a separatepart that is set in the ink cartridge to cover an ink supplying portionafter unpacking the ink cartridge.
 18. The packing member according toclaim 1, wherein the packing member includes a sheet of adhesive label.19. The packing member according to claim 1, wherein the packing memberis formed by punching in one step.
 20. The packing member according toclaim 1, wherein the release coated paper includes a plurality ofportions that are separated by a plurality of weakened or cut releasecoated paper portions, and wherein the plurality of weakened or cutrelease coated paper portion are formed by die cutting in one step. 21.The packing member according to claim 1, wherein the first portion isformed in a substantially Y shape.
 22. The packing member according toclaim 1, wherein information required before unpacking the ink cartridgeis indicated on the second portion.
 23. The packing member according toclaim 1, wherein information required after unpacking the ink cartridgeis indicated on the first portion.
 24. A combination of an ink cartridgeand a packing member for packing the ink cartridge, wherein the packingmember includes a label sheet, the label sheet including: a coat ofadhesive on a first surface; a first portion; a second portion; and aweakened or cut label sheet portion between the first portion and thesecond portion; wherein a part of the second portion is surrounded bythe weakened or cut label sheet portion, the first portion and thesecond portion are configured to be readily torn apart at the weakenedor cut label sheet portion, and the second portion includes a hangingportion that includes a hole configured to be hung from a rail; and arelease coated paper adhered to the first surface of the label sheet,the release coated paper including: a first zone; a second zone; and aweakened or cut release coated paper portion separating the first zoneand the second zone, wherein a part of the second zone is surrounded bythe weakened or cut label sheet portion, and the first zone and thesecond zone are configured to be readily torn apart at the weakened orcut release paper portion, wherein when the packing member is adhered tothe ink cartridge: the first zone is configured to be torn apart fromthe second zone of the release coated paper and apart from the firstsurface such that the second zone remains adhered to the first surface,and the packaging member is configured to adhere to the ink cartridge ina manner such that an area of the label sheet, where the first zone isconfigured to be torn apart from the first surface, is configured toadhere to a portion of the ink cartridge from a first side face of thecartridge up to a second side face of the cartridge via a rear faceportion of the cartridge in a turning manner so that a part of thesecond portion contacts an ink supplying portion of the ink cartridge toseal the ink supplying portion.
 25. A method for packing an inkcartridge with a packing member, the method comprising: cutting a labelsheet so as to create a weakened or cut label sheet portion between afirst portion and a second portion of the label sheet; applying a coatof adhesive on a first surface of the label sheet; cutting a releasecoated paper to create a weakened or cut release coated paper portionseparating a first zone and a second zone of the release coated paper;adhering the release coated paper to the first surface of the labelsheet; removing the first zone of release coated paper from the firstsurface of the label sheet so as to partially expose the coat ofadhesive; and adhering the packing member to the ink cartridge, whereinthe cutting the release coated paper and the adhering the release coatedpaper are performed so that a perimeter of the second zone of therelease coated paper is entirely within a perimeter of the secondportion of the label sheet.
 26. The method according to claim 25,wherein the cutting the release coated paper and the adhering therelease coated paper are performed so that the first zone of the releasecoated paper that is adhered to the first surface the label sheetextends over at least part of the second portion and at least part ofthe first portion.
 27. The method according to claim 25, whereinunpacking the ink cartridge that is packed with the packing membercomprises: tearing off a portion of the packing member by pulling theportion in a specific direction.